Shakespeare deemed music the food of love. We beg to differ. These normally humdrum breakfast staples have been glamorized by chef Kenneth Mills of Dallas’ Natura Cafe. His trick? He enriches the pancakes with yogurt and lightly beaten egg whites before grilling, then pours on generous quantities of warm syrup; he punches up the oatmeal with the judicious addition of raspberry and blackberry purèes. Just a whiff of this bounty should put you in the mood.

For a romantic Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed, the true food of love is a stack of pancakes with raspberry-maple syrup and a lavish helping of oatmeal pudding doused with fragrant vanilla sauce.